Chief Information Officer; Swellendam, Western Cape

Sentraal-Suid Co-operative Ltd (SSK), with its head office located in Swellendam, was founded in 1931 and has been serving its loyal members as a co-operative for the past 95 years. The business currently operates in the Eastern, Western and Southern Cape as well as in the Garden Route, Langkloof and Karoo. SSK strives to ensure the prosperity and survival of the organisation and its members by continuously promoting and pursuing growth and diversification, whilst maintaining stability.

SSK provides financing of agricultural production costs and farming-related equipment at highly competitive terms and has a team of agricultural specialists delivering agricultural services by means of a team of experts who provide, among other things, agricultural, veterinary and financial advice to members. SSK’s involvement with its subsidiaries and associates is the result of a continued focus on setting up businesses in the region-based agricultural value chain.

To achieve diversification, investments outside the primary agriculture industry are considered on an ongoing basis.

Signium Africa has been exclusively retained to advise on appointing a results-driven, commercially astute, and visionary leader to the following key position:

SSK is seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead the organisation’s technology, digital and information management agenda. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the successful candidate will be accountable for the development and execution of technology strategies that support business objectives, enhance operational efficiency, strengthen governance and enable sustainable organisational growth.

The role requires an experienced executive to provide leadership across technology strategy, digital transformation, IT operations, cybersecurity, data governance and enterprise architecture. The incumbent will oversee the organisation’s technology landscape, drive innovation and modernisation initiatives, ensure the security, resilience and integrity of critical systems and information, and establish robust governance, risk and compliance frameworks that support strategic priorities.

The CIO will also serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive team and Board on technology trends, opportunities and risks, while leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams, managing strategic technology investments and partnerships, and fostering a culture of innovation, accountability and continuous improvement across the organisation.

SSK welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates; however, preference will be given to previously disadvantaged South Africans. SSK is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and employment equity.

Minimum Requirements:

• Relevant degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business or a related discipline; postgraduate qualification advantageous.
• 10+ years’ relevant experience in Corporate Services Management (Legal-, Governance-, Risk- and Compliance Administration).
• Significant senior leadership experience in IT, digital transformation or technology management.
• Proven experience developing and implementing enterprise technology strategies.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity, data governance, IT risk and regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing complex technology environments, budgets, suppliers and transformation programmes.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing multidisciplinary technology teams.
• Relevant professional certifications are advantageous.
• Must be bilingual in English and Afrikaans.

The role requires a strategically focused and business-oriented technology leader with the…